Marinas are contacted and urged to participate in the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) by applying for grants to build pumpout and dump station facilities.

This Web site is another way we educate the public about boating issues.

Federal Education

The CVA provides a portion of its total funding for educational outreach regarding the effects of boater sewage and the means by which boaters can avoid improper sewage disposal.

The first goal of the federal education program is to inform boaters of the importance of proper boater sewage disposal. The awareness campaign kicked off in February 1996 at a Miami Boat Show. The US Fish and Wildlife Service released its awareness campaign products including the pumpout symbol and slogan. It also announced the pumpout grant awards.

Partnerships were established between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, marine industry organizations, and others to assist with outreach efforts. Together, these agencies and organizations work with marine interests to distribute materials and educate boaters on the use of pumpout and dump stations. Other agencies and marine community groups may join this partnership.

The second goal informs boaters and marina operators of sewage disposal problems, educates them on the use and advantages of pumpout and dump stations, and where to best locate such stations. This program complements and unifies existing State programs, sending a clear message: "Keep Our Water Clean - Use Pumpouts."